Orthopedic appliance for restoring normal foot posture



June 25, 1963 F. KENDALL 3,094,985

ORTHOPEDIC APPLIANCE FOR RESTORING NORMAL FOOT POSTURE Filed Sept. 25, 1961 INVENTOR FRANCE-1S KENDALL BY W7 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,094,985 ORTHGPJEDIC APPLIANCE FOR RESTORING NORMAL FOOT POSTURE Frances Kendall, 144-53 38th Ave., Flushing, N.Y. Filed Sept. 25, 1961, Ser. No. 140,383 Claims. (Cl. 128-81) This invention relates to an orthopedic appliance for restoring the foot to normal posture when one or more deformities have developed therein. More particularly it is concerned with an orthopedic appliance which is effective for the relieving of pain due to, and for the ultimate shrinkage of, bunions.

Strain, ill fitting shoes, or muscular weaknesses are common causes for nrisalignments creating deformities in the foot which commonly manifest themselves in the enlargement and inflaming of the main joint of the great toe, which enlargement is commonly called a bunion. Heretofiore, most of the devices employed for the relief of pain due to bunions are aimed only at the cushioning of the tender joint for providing temporary relief without really correcting the condition. Even such mere pain relieving devices made it difiicult to insert the foot in the shoe when the device was already applied to the foot. Thus the attempt to providerelicf was often accompanied by the introduction of discomfort of a different nature, i.e., discomfort of the shoes being too tight.

The device of the invention eliminates the foregoing drawbacks of prior art constructions and goes well beyond most prior art practices by really getting to the root of the trouble and providing a cure for it. Principally, the appliance of the invention, while giving relief from pain due to bunions, acts at one and the same time to correct the abnormalities of the foot which bring about the bunion condition. The appliance of the invention does this, while, at the same time, being so constructed and being formed of such material that it can be worn on the foot inside the shoe without any noticeable crowding.

Though the appliance of the invention finds its geatest applicability in providing relief from, and a cure for bunions, it does so by correcting the foot conditions causing the bunions. Thus the invention appliance has utility for the correction of such foot conditions whether bunions be present or not. Several corrective measures are incorporated in the appliance in order to correct the conditions which create bunions, but, not all of the conditions are present, the appliance nevertheless correct for those that are.

Also, contrary to the results achieved from the use of prior art appliances, the appliance of the invention resists soiling to a high degree, can be readily cleaned when it becomes soiled, has no parts to deteriorate through contact with the body, and thus has a long and uniformly effective life should the conditions to be corrected for be stubborn resisting correction.

It is, accordingly, the principal object of the invention to provide an appliance for application to the human foot to restore the foot to normal posture when one or more deformities have developed therein.

Another object is to provide such an appliance which cures bunions through the correction of the deformities creating them.

Another object is to provide such an appliance which gives relief from the pain due to bunions while providing a cure for the same.

tion of the foot in its regular sized shoe, nor render the foot uncomfortable in such shoe.

A further object is to provide such an appliance which resists soiling and can be readily cleaned should it become soiled.

A still further object is to provide such an appliance formed of :a minimum of parts with the joining together of such parts being effected in such a manner that the wearer cannot feel the joints.

Further and more detailed objects of the invention will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out as the description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing proceeds.

In that drawing:

FIG. '1 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the plantar aspect of a human right foot with the appliance in accordance with the preferred form of the invention in place thereon.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the preferred form of appliance as shown in FIG. 1 but in this instance being formed for application to the left foot.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 of a simplified form of appliance in accordance with the invention, such appliance being applicable to either foot.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a modification of the appliance of FIG. 2, in this instance shown as viewed from above instead of from beneath.

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of the preferred form as shown in FIG. 2, as seen from the left hand end of that figure; and

FIG. '6 is a sectional view taken on line 66 of FIG. 5 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

In the healthy foot there are effective longitudinal and transverse arches which cause the weight of the body to be carried and distributed between the outer side of the foot, the ball of the foot, the toes, and the center of the heel. In the development of a bunion, a general warping of :a foot structure, normally takes place. This involves a lengthening of the inner border of the foot, accompanied by a fanning out of the digital bones toward the outer border with a tendency of the great toe to lie not on its plantar surface, but on its side. Also, all of the toes become raised from their normal position. Accompanying this, there is a rotation of the heel which shifts the weight from its [center to its inner position. The appliance of the invention incorporates corrective measures for correcting all of these conditions together. These measures act together in restoring the foot to its normal posture.

In its preferred form, the appliance of the invention, shaped for the right foot in FIG. 1 and left foot in FIG. 2, is generally indicated at 2. The base portion of the ap pliance is a relatively thick, but highly compressible sole cushion member 3. The forward portion 3a of this member extends transversely across beneath the innermost portions of the big toe and the second toe. A strap 4, preferably formed of the same material as that of the sole member 3, extends from one lateral extremity of the forward portion 3a of the sole member 3- into a laterally positioned loop 4 which returns to again join up with the portion 3a at its other lateral extremity.

The joining of this looped portion 4 to the portion 3a of the sole is of importance for the big toe and second toe extend through the loop so formed and every effort must be made to prevent irritation of them. Accordingly, the joint at the end as seen in FIG. 2 is on such an angle that it extends almost in parallelism with respect to the part of the toe which engages the inner surface 3bof the portion 3a. The line of joinder here is shown at 12 and as also seen in FlG. 5, the joint is effected merely between two opposed surfaces.

A somewhat different type of joint is shown where the looped portion 4 comes around to join up with the opposite end of the portion 30. Here the portion 3a is recessed to receive the end 11 of the loop member 4 and the loop member 4, being rectangular in cross section, has one surface 11a secured to one face 30 of the recess, and has another face 11b secured to the bottom face 3d of the recesss. Whether the joint be of this type, or of the type indicated at 12, the engaging action of the surfaces 3e and 3b against the toes, is just the same. There is no rubbing of the toe against the cement joint itself, and any rigidity introduced into the otherwise highly flexible material by the use of the adhesive securing the sections of material together, is so directed that the portions of the flexible material positioned between the toe and joint provide a resilient buffer against such rigidity.

The loop 4 receives both the big toe and the second toe but, in order for the proper corrective effects to be achieved, it is desirable to maintain those toes in separated relationship. Accordingly, a separating strut 6 of a depth preferably equal to that of the looped member 4, extends across the interior of that loop from the upper surface of the portion 3a to the inner surface of the loop 4-. The positioning of the strut 6 to the right or left center of the loop, as viewed in FIG. 2, is dependent upon whether the appliance is formed for application to the right or to the left foot. The appliance as seen in FIG. 2, is intended for application to the left foot so the strut 6 is positioned somewhat to the right of center, leaving a larger opening 8 for the big toe than the opening 9 for the second toe. The reverse condition will be seen to prevail in an appliance formed for application to the right foot, as seen in FIG. 1. The ends 6a of the strut 6 are secured by suitable adhesive to the inner surfaces of the loop 4, and the joint here is obviously so positioned any stiffness or rigidity it might have will not be felt by the toes.

From the description so far it will be apparent that besides providing a substantial sole cushion for the undersurface of the foot, the appliance provides a transverse cushion beneath the beginning portions of the toes, provides a separator for the toes, and provides a cushioning for the big joint of the big toe, or for any bunion present. The looped portion 4 provides that cushioning. Furthermore, the parts are so formed and related to each other and to the foot which they are applied, that the appliance once seated in place, will remain in its seated position. It will not create discomfort by shifting around with respect to the foot as happens with the various prior art devices.

Again referring to the FIG. 2 form and again appreciated that the same is a mere reversal of the FIG. 1 form, attention is directed to the heart shaped auxiliary cushion 14 preferably formed as a separate member suitably secured to the undersurface of the rear portion of the sole cushion 3. This heart shaped auxiliary cushion 14 has two forwardly extending lobes 14a and 14b. The lobe 14a is formed to underlie the second and third metatarsal joints, at the position where callouses often form, supporting these joints at that position. The lobe 14b lies under and just behind the head of the metatarsal bone of the big toe and is thus positioned to supply pressure from the rear of that joint. Pressure from either of these pressure positions tends to restore the normal position of the displaced great toe. These two supports, taken in conjunction with the separator element, provide the three corrective measures needed for the eventual elimination of the bunion.

In addition, the' added thickness and position of the contoured heart shaped auxiliary pad lifts the inner portion of the ball of the foot and gently rolls the foot toward its outer border. This, then, produces another aspect of normal foot posture.

The exertion of pressure by the two lobes 14a and 14b, one on the metatarsal joints of the second and third toes, and the other behind the head of the metatarsal of the great toe, causes these toes to curl downwardly as they should, thus causing them to take the weight they are intended to carry. The separating element a acting in consert with the action of the auxiliary pad, restores the great toe to its normal position resting on its plantar surface, in which position it again properly supports its share of the body weight.

As previously indicated, all parts of the appliance of the invention are preferably made of one and the same material. This material is highly compressible while also resilient. It is soft to the contact with the foot and does not readily become soiled from contact with the foot and absorption of body greases or acids. It is also non allergic and non toxic. Certain of the fire pore cellular materials now on the market meet these criteria, though various of them are not as good in this respect as others. Materials produced by foaming appear to be preferable, with the urethane foams standing out among them. In fact, polyester urethane foam appears at present to be the preferable material, with polyether urethane foam being a close second. A suitable polyester urethane foam is known as Curon 503A made by Reeves Brothers Inc. of 1071 Sixth Avenue, New York 18, N.Y. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be considered as being limited to the use of the presently preferred foam material, inasmuch as others may already be in existence or may be developed in the future which will provide the desirable characteristics for the material, as above pointed out, to the same, or to even greater extent than the presently preferred material.

With regard to adhesive employed in securing the various parts of the appliance together, it is important that this be the right one. in the first place, the joint or seam must be soft and stay soft. Thus adhesive that is or might becomes hard must be avoided. The adhesive must retain its soft characteristics through continued use of the appliance, washing of the same, exposure to perspiration, etc. Furthermore, the adhesive must be nontoxic and non allergic. For the securing together of the polyurethane foams an adhesive, which meets such requirements is known as Pliotac 13-6 and is put out by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio.

A pad made of the material indicated and having the parts thereof secured together by use of the adhesive indicated twill compress so as to fit easily within the shoe, though the thickness of each layer of the material is of the order of approximately one-half inch. The adhesive will not be noticeable and the appliance can be washed in an ordinary home washing machine without disturbing its initial characteristics or altering the effectiveness or condition of the adhesive.

While the auxiliary pad portion tegrally with the main sole portion 3, it is preferably formed spearately and adhered to the sole portion 3 by a layer of adhesive as shown at the line r15 in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. Here the areas to stantial so the utilization of the least of the same importance as is the joints 12, 11a and 11b.

. FIG. 3 shows a somewhat simplified the FIG. 2 form, which is fully effective for the correcting of conditions which have not become severe. Also, it can be used in those situations where the wearer already correct adhesive is at the case in respect of modification of 14 may be formed inr be adhered together are subhas separate metatarsal support provided in his shoe. This form may also be furnished in a kit including separate auxiliary sole cushions, and adhesive so that such auxiliary cushions may be applied or not by the user as desired.

In the simplified FIG. 3 form, the single ply sole cushion 3 is the same as that of FIG. 2, so carries the same reference character. Likewise, its transverse forward portion 3a is the same, as is the loop member 4, whose ends are adhered to the lateral extremities of the portion 3a. In this instance, the same type of single surface joint 12 is used at both ends 5 of the loop member 4. Again suitable adhesive having the characteristics discussed above is employed in the joint "12. This simplified appliance is intended to be used on either the right or left foot. Thus the separator member 6, instead of being placed off center as is the case in FIG. 2, extends across the middle of the loop 4. Accordingly, passages 8a of equal width are provided at either side of the separator member 6.

A more elaborate modification of the invention for use in correction of more severe conditions, while giving relief in the course of that correction, is shown in FIG. 4. The appliance here shown is for use on the left foot, it again being understood that a mere reversal of the posi tion of the parts would render it applicable for use on the right foot. The base pad 13 in this instance, rather than being a simple flat member, has its inner border turned upwardly as seen at 17 to form an integral side wall entirely enveloping the bunion and extending up around onto the dorsal aspect of the foot. The loop portion 4a in this instance also is an integral extension of the base pad 13. The portion 4a extends away from the upturned edge 17 at the position 17a and loops around to the opposite side of the pad where it is adhered at 12a to the portion 13a, the integral forward extension of the base pad 13. The joint 12a between the extension 13a and the loop portion 4a is preferably at a position be tween the second and third toes, and, in the manner as pointed out above, is so angled and is effected by the use of such an adhesive that no discomfort whatsoever is imparted to the foot.

The separator member 6 is the same as that employed in the previous forms, being however positioned as in FIGS. 1 and 2. to provide a wider passage at 8 for the great toe than the passage 9 for the second toe. Here, however, the wall of the passage 8, at the side thereof which overlies the outer surface of the great toe, has a small pillow member \10 secured to it in a position to engage the outer surface of the great toe forwardly of the bunion.

It is next to be noted that in this form the heart shaped supplemental pad, 24, is adhered to the inner surface of the base pad 13 throughout their joining surface instead of being adhered to the undersurface of the base pad 3 as in the form of FIGS. 1 and 2. Furthermore, the heart shaped pad 24 is enlarged and positioned so that the portion 24b turns up with and inside of the portion 17 while still providing the same support as does the portion 14b of FIG. 2. The portion or lobe '24a-of the pad provides the same protection and support as does the portion 14a. In addition, the construction here leaves a pocket 26 between the inner end 10a of the pillow member 10 and the forward surface 240 of the lobe 24b. This pocket very elfectively receives and protects the enlarged inflamed joint itself. Thus while the other elements of the appliance are providing their special corrective effects the inflamed joint or bunion is protected and almost surrounded by the readily compressible resilient material of the appliance, so that relief as well as correction is supplied.

As in the previous forms, the more elaborate appliance shown in FIG. 4, preferably has all of its parts made out of the same readily compressible foam like resilient ma- 6 terial, while any joints present are effected by the use of a suitable adhesive as already described.

In the foregoing, a preferred and two modified embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawing. It is, of course, to be understood that this showing and description is for illustrative and not for limiting purposes. Various modifications of the appliances shown might well suggest themselves to one skilled in the art without, however, departing from (the principles of the invention involving the various features for correcting foot deformities as Well as giving relief against the effect of those deformities While the correction is being effected.

Speaking more generally, it is to be understood that since certain changes may be made in the above article, and different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A foot corrective and pain relieving appliance comprising, a base pad member formed as a section of readily compressible resilient foam like material shaped to underlie the forward portion of the sole of the foot and having a forwardly extending transverse portion formed to underlie the big toe and second toe of the foot, a loop element formed of substantially the same material as that of said base pad member extending up four one end of said transverse portion and around to the other end of said transverse portion in spaced relation with respect to said transverse portion to form a substantially open loop therewith, and a separator member extending between the upper surface of said transverse portion and the undersurface of said loop portion and secured to both of the same, thereby separating said open loop into two passages, one for the big toe and the other for the second toe, whereby proper relative positioning of the big and second toes is effected for curative purposes While at the same time relieving pain and preventing irritation, and adhesive means securing said loop element to said transverse portion.

-2. A foot corrective appliance as in claim 1, said loop element being secured to said transverse portion in a long scarfed lap joint with a substantial portion of said material forming a cushion between said adhesive and the interior of said loop for prevention of irritation which could result from contact with said adhesive.

3. A foot corrective appliance as in claim 1, said adhesive being relatively soft and pliable to prevent irritation.

4. A foot corrective appliance as in claim 1 and including a supplemental pad member secured to a face of said pad member extending upwardly from said face and overlying a portion thereof.

5. A foot corrective I ppliance as in claim 4, said supplemental pad being substantially heart shaped and being positioned with one lobe of said heart shape extending toward one side of said base member and the other lobe of said heart shape extending forwardly of said one lobe and toward said forward transverse portion.

6. A foot corrective appliance as in claim 4, said supplemental pad being secured to the under-surface of said base pad.

7. A foot corrective appliance as in claim 4, said supplemental pad being secured to the upper surface of said base pad.

8. A foot corrective appliance as in claim 7, said base pad being turned upwardly along one edge to lie up alongside of and part way over on to the inner side of the foot adjacent the big toe.

9. A foo-t corrective appliance as in claim 7 and including a pillow element formed of said material, said pillow element being secured within said loop at one side 8 thereof in \position to engage the outer edge surface of 1,103,465 Arrowsmith July 14, 1914 the big toe forwardly of the main joint thereof. 2,332,47 3 Salander Oct. 19, 1943 110. A foot-corrective appliance as in claim 1, said 100p 2,416,823 Day Mar. 4, 1947 element extending integrally from said transverse portion 2,492,312 Muller Dec. 27, 1949 at one end and being seeured to the other end of said 5 2,499,768 McGlumphy Mar. 7, 1950 transversepomtion. 2,711,166 Digate June 21, 1955 References Cited in the file of this patent fgs g 2 1; UNITED STATES PATENTS 219 181056 Levitt Dec. 22, 1959 1,055,810 S-cho11 Mair.11,1913 10 

1. A FOOT CORRECTIVE AND PAIN RELIEVING APPLIANCE COMPRISING, A BASE PAD MEMBER FORMED AS A SECTION OF READILY COMPRESSIBLE RESILIENT FOAM-LIKE MATERIAL SHAPED TO UNDERLIE THE FORWARD PORTION OF THE SOLE OF THE FOOT AND HAVING A FORWARDLY EXTENDING TRANSVERSE PORTION FORMED TO UNDERLIE THE BIG TOE AND SECOND TOE OF THE FOOT, A LOOP ELEMENT FORMED OF SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME MATERIAL AS THAT OF SAID BASE PAD MEMBER EXTENDING UP FOM ONE END OF SAID TRANSVERSE PORTION AND AROUND TO THE OTHER END OF SAID TRANSVERSE PORTION IN SPACED RELATION WITH RESPECT TO SAID TRANSVERSE PORTION TO FORM A SUBSTANTIALLY OPEN LOOP THEREWITH, AND A SEPARATOR MEMBER EXTENDING BETWEEN THE UPPER SURFACE OF SAID TRANSVERSE PORTION AND THE UNDERSURFACE OF SAID LOOP PORTION AND SECURED TO BOTH OF THE SAME, THEREBY SEPARATING SAID OPEN LOOP INTO TWO PASSAGES, ONE FOR THE BIG TOE AND THE OTHER FOR THE SECOND TOE, WHEREBY PROPER RELATIVE POSITIONING OF THE BIG AND SECOND TOES IS EFFECTED FOR CURATIVE PURPOSES WHILE AT THE SAME TIME RELIEVING PAIN AND PREVENTING IRRITATION, AND ADHESIVE MEANS SECURING SAID LOOP ELEMENT TO SAID TRANSVERSE PORTION. 